Low-molecular weight Heparins (Dalteparin)

Low-molecular-weight heparins during pregnancy

Ariel Many, MD Gideon Koren, MD, FRCPC

February 2005

ABSTRACT

QUESTION

A few years ago I suffered from pulmonary emboli. My physician recommended I use dalteparin during this pregnancy although, during my previous pregnancy, I had received subcutaneous heparin injections three times daily. Is dalteparin the same as heparin?

ANSWER

Based on the best available evidence from mostly small prospective case series, retrospective reports, and placental perfusion studies, low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), such as dalteparin, are a safe and convenient alternative to heparin during pregnancy for both mothers and fetuses.

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